Anybody detail a car then flip it?

[TH0001]

I was thinking this would be a good way to make a little extra on the side (provided you can pick one up for a good deal)? I understand that this can be illegal (I guess its illegal to buy things and sell them for profit???). Anybody have any idea what the finical risk is involved, how I can go about doing this?

I think that the best way would be to cater to the young crowd, find imports with sticks, ect, and do a good full detail and make nice and pretty and market them as perfect first cars. Does anybody do this? (If you do, but because of legal standards, you don't want to admit it please PM me). Again, I am not even sure if it is illegal?

After I detailed this BMW... I figured that I had to raise the value some what, I mean enough to make a profit?

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14417

[abrcrombe]

Selling things for profit illegal?? Houses, collectibles.... I don't think it is illegal. Car looks great, maybe you should do it! Good luck if you do.

[rosenberry]

im not sure what the laws are where you live but in the state of pennsylvania you can sell up to 7 cars a year before you have to get your dealers license. i detail for an auto auction and the guy that owns it said that the car i finished detailing he only paid a couple hundred bucks and after i woked my magic he sold it for $4000 here are some pics

[kboxer]

Chekc where you live because you can sell so many a year without a premt/license. I also looked into it and a detail helps but not as much as you think. You would have to do the same thing the mom and pop places do and make sure it is all in running order.

[kpagel]

It will only be worth it if you find something really ratty that is selling for cheap because of its condition. If you buy a '94 Honda Civic at close to Blue Book value, you probably won't be able to raise the value that much more with just a detail.

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Profit is not a dirty word......As long as your honest! If your buying and selling using your state/city laws then there should not be a problem. Just don't buy **** and a do a wonderfull detail and try and pawn it off on some kid that sees a shiny paintjob. Look for cars that were maybe taken care of mechanicly but not so great detail wise. When I use to "curb" cars I always found a good detail would make a big differance in the resale value. And I always sold them with an inspection. Cover your "you know what", be honest, and be prepared to fix minor problems before and after the sale. If you don't you won't last long.
Good luck.

[inthedetails]

Capitalism at it s best..........if you can do it, go for it!

[TH0001]

I have two years of voc. auto under my belt so I was figuring on some routine checks before purchasing a vehicle, such as checking the cranking compression of the motor and testing the charging system.

Also changing all the fluids (coolant, oil, transmission if auto, differental if applicable, ect..) and giving a tune up consisting of plugs and wires...

Then doing a full detail..

What about buying at an auction? Do I need to be a dealer to do this?

[THE BIG BUFFER]

Think Safety. Make sure all lights work, brakes are in good shape,
no parts falling off etc. As far as being a dealer to buy at an auction depends on were you live. Most places (I assume the US is the same) have some type of public auctions once a month or so at the dealer auctions. I would look up auctions in your phone book and call and ask.

[Michael Stoops]

I would think this would work best with those cars that were well taken car of mechanically but neglected from a finish standpoint. Single stage paints tend to offer the most dramatic improvements when properly buffed out, so I'd look for that sort of thing. Shop hard to find the best deal and a good, solid car who's finish has been neglected.